Hotel Las Islas
A secluded getaway within easy reach of Cartagena, perfect for unwinding at the end of your trip.
Isla Barú lies just south of Cartagena on Colombia’s Caribbean coast and can be reached in 45 minutes by boat. Blanketed in mangroves and tropical dry forest, the low lying island is fringed with small white sand beaches and surrounded by calm turquoise waters.
Hotel Las Islas blends seamlessly into this landscape, with 55 rondavel style thatched bungalows scattered across the expansive property. Some sit along the coastline – one even offering direct access to the sea – while others perch above the forest canopy, where endemic cotton top tamarins can occasionally be spotted swinging through the trees.
Sleek and finished with polished wood, the bungalows combine refined rustic charm with modern comforts, including air conditioning, plus balconies equipped with a hammock and Jacuzzi. Because the property is quite spread out, each bungalow comes with a pair of bikes, and guests can also request a golf buggy. Please note: treetop bungalows involve climbing many stairs and may not be suitable for guests with mobility issues.
The hotel offers an extensive range of facilities, including three restaurants, a rooftop bar reached via a striking spiral staircase with 360 degree views, a gym, spa, and freshwater pool. Although the main beach is fairly narrow, guests have access to complimentary kayaks and paddleboards, and activities such as snorkelling, bioluminescence excursions, and mangrove tours can be arranged at an additional cost. The property also features a solarium, and guests are invited to enjoy stargazing through the hotel’s telescope.
From the very beginning, conservation and sustainability have been at the heart of Hotel Las Islas, with a particular focus on mangrove planting and coral restoration. Beyond creating employment opportunities for the local community, the hotel has also collaborated on projects that strengthen local infrastructure, including improvements to the water supply system through desalination.
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Ben Line - Travel Expert
Ben fell in love with Latin America on a six month backpacking trip from Colombia to Mexico in 1995. Since then he has explored most of South America, including living in Peru for a year. He is now Head of Sales.
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